Actors Eiji Akaso, left, and Kang Hye-won pose at a press convention for “Gimbap and Onigiri” at a marriage corridor in Seoul’s Guro District, Wednesday. Yonhap
Meals is the start line for love in “Gimbap and Onigiri,” a brand new Japanese drama pairing Japanese actor Eiji Akaso and Korea’s idol-turned-actor Kang Hye-won.
Set to premiere Jan. 12 on TV TOKYO, the upcoming sequence follows two younger adults as they navigate uncertainty of their lives and expertise romance regardless of their completely different cultures. Slightly than centering on cultural clashes, the story unfolds by quiet encounters, making a story of intimacy that’s gradual and relatable.
Akaso stars as Hase Taiga, a former faculty observe athlete who loses path after a serious setback. Along with his confidence shaken, Taiga drifts by day by day life with out a clear imaginative and prescient for the longer term, working half time at a small restaurant in Japan.
“Taiga meets Park Rin by his part-time job and the present facilities on how he grows after that,” Akaso stated at a press convention in Seoul, Wednesday afternoon.
“After I first noticed the title, I used to be inquisitive about what sort of story it might be. The characters are as heat and approachable, because the title suggests. It’s a story about individuals who dwell sincerely and love sincerely.”
Scenes from TV TOKYO’s upcoming drama “Gimbap and Onigiri” that includes actors Eiji Akaso and Kang Hye-won / Courtesy of TV TOKYO
Kang performs Park Rin, a Korean graduate scholar adjusting to life overseas. Dwelling alone in a international setting, she reaches an emotional turning level after she eats a meal ready by Taiga, a small encounter that brings nice consolation to her.
“I have a tendency to understand happiness that comes from small issues,” Kang stated. “That was the sensation I had once I first learn the script. It’s a story the place these modest joys and moments of heat actually come by.”
The drama locations emphasis not on cultural variations as a type of battle, however on the method of studying one other individual’s lifestyle. Its title, “Gimbap and Onigiri,” displays that method, that includes distinct meals rooted in cultures which are completely different but comparable sufficient to really feel acquainted.
Regardless of filming throughout languages and cultures, each actors stated their collaboration unfolded easily.
“It was the very best,” Akaso stated, describing his behind-the-scenes chemistry with Kang.
“Personally, I didn’t discover it troublesome. If something, Kang had a more durable time as a result of she was filming in Japan. Throughout public occasions like this, I’ve interpreters, however throughout filming she needed to work alone by a language barrier. I actually respect how she dealt with that.”
Kang admitted that originally she was frightened, regardless of finding out Japanese for 2 months earlier than filming.
“I used to be involved as a result of my language expertise weren’t good,” she stated. “Akaso made an actual effort to look out for me, though we spoke completely different languages. He helped me settle into the setting, and the employees additionally guided me rigorously so I might perceive. I felt supported all through.”
Kang Hye-won speaks throughout a press convention for the upcoming drama “Gimbap and Onigiri” at a marriage corridor in Seoul’s Guro District, Wednesday. Yonhap
She added that her earlier expertise selling in Japan as a member of Ok-pop woman group IZ*ONE proved useful.
“As a result of I had already labored in Japan, the setting didn’t really feel utterly unfamiliar,” Kang stated. “I additionally assume that if I had not gone to Japan again then, I might not have been in a position to decide up the language to this stage in such a short while.”
The drama arrives as Korean-Japanese co-productions proceed to realize visibility by world streaming platforms. Latest examples embrace Japan’s “Eye Love You,” launched internationally through Netflix, and Coupang Play’s “What Comes After Love.”
Akaso credited streaming companies with serving to maintain such collaborations.
“Platforms like Netflix have turn into an vital bridge,” he stated. “They permit individuals in numerous international locations to look at one another’s work. Collaborating past borders by storytelling is significant and I hope to proceed collaborating in tasks that join with world manufacturing groups.”
“Gimbap and Onigiri” will air each Monday on TV Tokyo beginning Jan. 12, with simultaneous worldwide streaming out there on Netflix.
